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Transitioning into Summer in Sag Harbor

 In Sag Harbor summer is so separated from the rest of the year that Benji divides the year into Summer and "the rest of year". The first chapter "Notions of Roller-Rink Infinity" features multiple instances of transition between different states. The most obvious is the transition of Benji's year from "the rest of the year" into the summer. This change is surrounded by other associated changes too. Because the family leaves so early in the morning, to miss traffic, the transition from night to day also takes place as they enter Sag Harbor. The trip to Sag Harbor also features the transition from buildings and development of NYC to the woods and nature of Long Island and Sag Harbor. Both the night to day and the concrete to trees transitions demonstrate how Sag Harbor is not just a little bit different from NYC but almost the complete opposite. 

    Not only is Benji in a state of transition, but so is the town of Sag Harbor itself. Because the town is composed mostly of seasonal homes, the beginning of summer features people opening up their houses and the town slowly filling with more and more people. When Benji and Reggie go around town and look for who's out, they're observing this transition of Sag Harbor into a lively community. The transition of Benji from NYC to Sag Harbor and of spring Sag Harbor into summer Sag Harbor both set up the coming-of-age part of the coming-of-age novel.


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